Case #57: Video

[19centconstable]

[Thoughtful George in thoughtful pose with the usual but thoughtful accent says:]

This is a bit inspired by what Captain Rogers' said ...and also Captain Angua, but: do you feel that being here has changed you? Any you, that is. Wardens and inmates alike.

Comments

[19centconstable]

This is true, but some situations cause a more significant change than others, and I suppose I mean to ask if this is one.

[truth_is_cold]

Less significant than the changes my own life caused me, in my opinion.

I may have returned as a warden, but I'm not very positive on the place. The people, yes. But the place I've seen make people so much worse.

I have the distinct honor of checking rooms immediately after someone doesn't show up to work for their shift because of the murders, suicides, and kidnappings that have gone ignored. I never had to do that before.

[19centconstable]

But a place doesn't do those things either.

[truth_is_cold]

The place can make us do those things. Even if we normally wouldn't.

[19centconstable]

I disagree. We do experience being people who aren't...ourselves, but the choices they make are still theirs, even if we might disagree with and regret them.

[truth_is_cold]

Yes, but the people that are the victims of what's done to them get to feel futile desperation.

I won't give this place credit for anything more than who I've met. I'll give the people that end up here credit for surviving when they can. If any changes in me happened that really made me a better person? It's because of them giving me a reason to be.

[19centconstable]

Why did you choose to return? If you don't mind my asking.

[truth_is_cold]

Because sometimes you have to do something utterly unpleasant to get something else that you very much need.

At least that's true anywhere.

[19centconstable]

It is. And I do appreciate your honesty.